Candied California Walnuts Recipe

I decided to make some candied nuts this Christmas because I don’t think I have ever personally made them before myself. I have definitely ate some before and loved them, so I figured why not make some myself. So today I am sharing this yummy candied California walnuts recipe with you all!

These would make great gifts in a little treat bag or you can even use them as toppers. Like in your favorite salad, snack, or dessert!

There are a ton of possibilities that you could use these candied walnuts for. But trust me, they are good just to snack on just as is! 

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Why Use California Walnuts?

California walnuts are sun ripened, crunchy, delicious, and packed with plant-based omega-3 fatty acids. They are also nutrient dense and a handful of California walnuts make for a perfect snack!

Plus, there are many health benefits to eating walnuts as well. Such as a reduced risk of coronary heart disease. Just eating 1.5 ounces of walnuts a day may reduce that risk!

They are also certified by the American Heart Association as a heart-healthy food. Walnuts contain plant-based omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which can help maintain normal blood cholesterol levels.

So if you’re on a low cholesterol diet, these are a great snack to have. They are also a great source for magnesium, fiber, protein, and healthy unsaturated fats.

According to the FDA’s conclusive research, One ounce of walnuts provides 18g of total fat, 2.5g of monounsaturated fat, 13g of polyunsaturated fat including 2.5g of alpha-linolenic acid – the plant-based omega-3.

So based on all this info, walnuts are great for you. Now, maybe not doused in sugar and butter like we are doing here below.

But, save some raw walnuts for snacking later and get all those awesome benefits from it! And save this recipe for a special occasion like Christmas!

Ingredients Needed For Candied California Walnuts Recipe 

2 cups California walnuts, chopped 

1 cup granulated sugar

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

Pinch of sea salt

2 tablespoons water

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (I used my homemade vanilla extract for this)

How To Make Candied Walnuts 

First, toast the walnuts by adding them to a dry skillet over medium to low heat until fragrant. About 3-5 minutes. Stir them frequently until they reach a nice golden brown color.

Pour toasted walnuts in a small bowl and set aside for now. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, water, and butter together.

Stir frequently until butter and sugar are all melted and the mixture begins to bubble. Stir in the cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes. Or until mixture has thickened.

Now, pour the toasted walnuts in and stir well until all walnuts are coated evenly. Pour coated walnuts on baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer, using a spatula to smooth out.

Cool walnuts completely, and then start breaking them apart into bite sized pieces. Store candied walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. 

Enjoy Your Candied Walnuts! 

Now, see how easy and simple this recipe is?! And you can make it a variety of different ways. You don’t have to add in cinnamon and vanilla, if you prefer.

You can use dark chocolate, maple syrup, honey, etc. You can flavor them how you like them! But, I do think the recipe above is perfect and makes the walnuts taste so good!

Like I said, they would be a perfect addition in a little homemade Christmas gift! If you make these walnuts too, let me know what you think about them below! I hope you love them just as much as I do!